Epidemiology and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. The Hannover data in the Retina.net ROP registry from 2001–2017

Abstract

Background: The Retina.net ROP registry documents data of preterm infants developing stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) that need ROP treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate data regarding epidemiology, therapy and changes over time (15 years) in a single participating center (Hannover Medical School, MHH). Methods: Analysis of data of infants treated for ROP at a single center over time (birth 2001–2016, ROP treatment in 2002–2017). Results: Overall, 65 infants were treated (23 female). In 11 infants (16.9%) ROP screening was conducted externally and infants were transferred to the MHH for ROP treatment. Between 2006 and 2016, incidence of ROP requiring treatment among infants screened for the development of ROP was 4.1%. Mean gestational age was 25.7 weeks (standard deviation, SD 1.8), mean birth weight 763 g (SD 235), postmenstrual age at treatment 38.2 weeks (SD 3.2), postnatal age 12.4 weeks (SD 3.2). There was no significant change in parameters over time. ROP zone II, stage 3+ was most frequently treated (57 eyes of 31 infants). 58 infants were treated with laser (114 eyes), 7 infants were treated with anti-VEGF (bevacizumab, bilateral, 14 eyes) from 2014 onwards. Retreatment due to recurrence of ROP was necessary in one infant after initial laser coagulation. Infants with ROP requiring treatment often presented with neonatal comorbidities, ventilation in more than 90%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and received transfusions. Conclusion: This is the first monocentric analysis over 15 years originating from the Retina.net ROP registry. In this cohort we see a change in ROP therapy from laser coagulation to anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) from 2014 onwards, demographic data and treatment parameters remained relatively stable over time.